New restaurants, school updates & summer fun: The week that was in Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines saw a flurry of news this week, from a beloved Cuban bakery’s expansion to federal fraud charges at a local research clinic and a police-led social media parking crackdown.
Missed the headlines? Here’s a roundup of the top stories from your city:
- New coffee spot: A Miami-based chain is opening a second CAO Bakery in Pembroke Pines at 12221 Taft St., taking over the former Char-Hut location. The Cuban American Original café is slated to open in July and will serve ventanita favorites like croquetas, pastelitos and coladas.
- Federal fraud charges: Four South Floridians, including a medical doctor at Pines Care Research Center, are facing federal wire fraud charges for allegedly falsifying asthma medication trial data. The scheme resulted in approximately $824,223 in fraudulent payments.
- Condo bankruptcy filing: Windmill Lakes V condominium association filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid an ongoing legal battle with a former property manager, who was charged after allegedly using forged signatures to transfer association funds to businesses linked to him.
- Staycation ranking: Pembroke Pines ranked No. 118 overall in WalletHub’s latest study of the best and worst U.S. cities for staycations out of 182 cities evaluated. The city scored No. 67 for recreation, No. 155 for food and entertainment and No. 107 for rest and relaxation.
- Theater tour stop: Fantasy Theatre Factory will bring a reimagined version of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” to the Susan B. Katz Theatre at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23. Admission is free, with free first-come, first-served seating.
- July 4 celebration: Pembroke Pines will host a free America250 Independence Day bash on Saturday, July 4, at the Pines Recreation Center starting at 6 p.m. The colonial-themed event will feature a “Dress Like It’s 1776” photo opportunity, with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
- Parking crackdown: The Pembroke Pines Police Department is one month into a social media campaign targeting drivers who illegally park in accessible spaces. Each violation carries a $250 fine, and police say the campaign has led to a surge in tips from frustrated residents.
- Airport safety update: Broward County is nearing completion of procurement for a safety assessment study and lead emissions screening at North Perry Airport. The safety study contract is expected to be finalized within two weeks.
- School bus cameras: The Broward County School Board approved an AI-powered camera program that will fine drivers $225 for illegally passing stopped school buses. BusPatrol estimates the program could generate between $8 million and $12 million in revenue during its first year.
- School choice reopens: Broward County Public Schools has opened a second school choice application cycle for families interested in school reassignments, Nova schools and magnet programs with available seats. The application window remains open through July 16.
- Free summer meals: Broward County Public Schools is offering free summer meals to students 18 and younger at 96 sites. Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.